This article makes the case for supporting women in growing entrepreneurial ventures.

Appropriate Subject Area(s):

Entrepreneurship, social studies

Key Questions to Explore:

• Why is it important to support women in growing entrepreneurial ventures?

Introduction to lesson and task:

This lesson explores strategies to support women entrepreneurs in the growth of their ventures

Action (lesson plan and task):

• Ask the class what they know about the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
• Ask them what they suppose such a group would do.
• Outline for the class some of the data presented in the article.
• In groups of four, have students develop a plan to support women in the growth of their ventures. The plan should include communication, education, financing, overcoming barriers and any other areas they come up with.
• Distribute the article for reading.
• The article refers to the ‘Own the Podium’ Olympic strategy that has supported Canadian athletes to accomplish positive results. How could a strategy for supporting women entrepreneurs be similar to and/or different from this strategy?  Students can use a T chart to make the comparison.

Consolidation of Learning:

• Have students compare the strategy developed in their group to what the article is recommending.

Success Criteria:

• Students understand why it is important to support women who are trying to grow their ventures.

Confirming Activity:

• In pairs, have students interview a female entrepreneur and test their ideas on how to support women.  Students can bring their findings back to the class for discussion.